Demand Response Programs in Optimal Operation of Multi-Carrier Energy Networks

Smart grid worldwide project provides integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) to electrical power systems, especially electrical distribution networks. Combined Heat and Power (CHP) and Demand Response (DR) programs are considered as prominent resources of DERs. CHP allows integration of different energy infrastructures and DR enables customers to participate in energy market. In this paper, effect of DR programs is evaluated on multi-carrier energy networks based on the Energy Hub (EH) approach. Time-based and incentive-based programs of DR are taken into account. GAMS software is used to solve Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) models of the proposed EH. Results demonstrate that different DR programs have different effects on load shape and hub operation costs. The results confirm that load participation factors by customers provide more operation cost reductions for EH owners. The results also demonstrate possible purchasing distributions of energy carriers from the networks for operation cost minimization in the presence of DR programs. In addition, the results show, in order to operation costs reduction, which technology should be optimally operated when different DR programs are applied on the multi-carrier network.